How to Recycle Car Batteries
Lead-acid batteries used in vehicles. Contain sulfuric acid and lead. Battery Council International reports a sustained ~99% U.S. recycling rate for lead batteries (study covering 2017-2021), the highest of any consumer product in that research. New lead batteries typically contain 80% or more recycled content.
Quick answer
Lead-acid car batteries are the most-recycled consumer product Battery Council International has studied: a sustained ~99% U.S. recycling rate (2017-2021). Lead, plastic, and acid are recyclable components, but never put a battery in the trash. Keep it upright and return it to an auto-parts store (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance, NAPA) or scrap yard; most refund a core charge on a new purchase and take cores free or for scrap credit. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Recycling code
- Pb-ACID
- Typical value
- Scrap credit varies; core-charge refund (amount set by retailer/state, often tens of dollars) when buying a replacement. Some stores offer about $10 merchandise credit without a purchase for eligible undamaged cores.
- Donate / take-back
- Available
How to Prepare
- 1Turn off engine and remove keys from ignition
- 2Wear safety glasses and chemical-resistant gloves
- 3Locate battery (usually under hood, sometimes in trunk)
- 4Clean terminals with wire brush if corroded
- 5Remove negative (-) terminal cable first using proper wrench
- 6Remove positive (+) terminal cable second
- 7Remove battery hold-down clamp or bracket
- 8Lift battery carefully using proper lifting technique (40+ lbs)
- 9Place immediately in upright position in vehicle
- 10Never tip, shake, or turn battery upside down
- 11Transport in plastic container or cardboard box for spill protection
- 12Keep battery terminals from touching metal during transport
Where to Recycle
- Auto parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto, NAPA)
- Service stations (Jiffy Lube, Valvoline Instant Oil, mechanics)
- Scrap yards and metal recyclers (scrap credit varies)
- Municipal hazardous waste facilities (free disposal)
- Some warehouse clubs and retailers with auto centers (call first; not Call2Recycle bins)
Special Instructions
Contains sulfuric acid and lead. Lead-acid batteries are widely regulated; many states manage them as Universal Waste or ban disposal in trash. Auto-parts retailers commonly accept old batteries and refund a core charge when you buy a replacement (amount set by retailer and state; often on the order of tens of dollars). AutoZone and O'Reilly also offer limited merchandise/gift-card credit for eligible returns without a purchase. Call2Recycle / Battery Network retail bins are for portable rechargeables, not SLI car batteries. Never transport a leaking battery in an enclosed vehicle. EV/hybrid traction packs are a different material (see EV Batteries).
Environmental Impact
Lead and sulfuric acid are toxic if landfilled or dumped. Recyclers recover lead, plastic, and acid for new batteries. BCI describes those components as recyclable; that is not the same as a guarantee that a trashed battery will be recycled. A typical new lead battery contains 80% or more recycled content (Battery Council International).
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Standard car/truck batteries
- Marine deep-cycle batteries
- Motorcycle batteries
- RV/recreational vehicle batteries
- Commercial vehicle batteries
Not Accepted
- Cracked batteries actively leaking acid
- Batteries with damaged terminals creating safety hazards
- Lithium-ion hybrid/electric vehicle batteries (different recycling process)
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: Scrap credit varies; core-charge refund (amount set by retailer/state, often tens of dollars) when buying a replacement. Some stores offer about $10 merchandise credit without a purchase for eligible undamaged cores.
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
Hazardous Components
- Lead (about 60% of battery weight)
- Sulfuric acid
- Plastic casing
FAQs
How do I know if my battery is dead or just needs charging?
Test voltage with multimeter: 12.6V+ is good, 12.4-12.6V needs charging, below 12.4V likely needs replacement. Also check CCA rating - if below 70% of original rating, replace.
What's the difference between AGM and standard flooded batteries for recycling?
Both contain lead and acid and recycle the same way. AGM batteries are sealed and safer to transport, while flooded batteries may leak if damaged. Both go through lead-acid take-back.
Can I get money for old batteries without buying new ones?
Scrap yards often pay for lead content. AutoZone and O'Reilly may offer a small merchandise or gift-card credit for eligible undamaged returns without a purchase (limits and exclusions apply). You will not get the full core refund that comes with buying a new battery unless the store's policy says otherwise.
Is it illegal to throw car batteries in regular trash?
In most places, yes. Lead-acid batteries are widely regulated and often banned from trash. Use an auto-parts store, scrap yard, or HHW. Fines vary by locality.
How long do I have to return a battery for core charge refund?
Policies vary by retailer. O'Reilly commonly lists about 45 days from purchase for core return; others may differ. Keep your receipt and return a similar battery type (car for car, marine for marine).
What should I do if my battery is leaking acid?
Don't touch the battery directly. Neutralize visible acid with baking soda, wear protective equipment, and take it to a hazardous waste facility. Don't transport leaking batteries in enclosed vehicles. Cracked or leaking cores may be refused for store credit.
Can I recycle hybrid or electric vehicle batteries with regular car batteries?
No. Hybrid/EV traction packs are usually lithium-ion (or hybrid NiMH) and need dealer or licensed-dismantler recycling. Only lead-acid starter batteries go through automotive battery take-back. See the EV Batteries pages for packs.
Can I drop a car battery at Call2Recycle or Home Depot battery bins?
No. Call2Recycle / Battery Network retail bins are for portable rechargeables, not SLI lead-acid car batteries. Use auto-parts stores, scrap yards, or HHW.
Related recycling guides
- How to recycle Motor Oil
- How to recycle Used Oil Filters
- How to recycle Tires
- How to recycle Spark Plugs & Engine Components
- How to recycle Antifreeze/Coolant
- How to recycle Automotive Belts & Hoses
- How to recycle Brake Fluid
- How to recycle Automotive Metal Parts
- How to recycle Catalytic Converters
- How to recycle Windshield Washer Fluid
Recycle car batteries
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